Holding Liat (Documentary)
Director: Brandon Kramer
Producer: Lance Kramer,Yoni Brook,Ari Handel,Darren Aronofsky,Justin A. Gonçalves
Cinematographer: Omer Manor,Yoni Brook
Composer: Jordan Dykstra
Editor: Jeff Gilbert
Viewer Advice: Contains medium impact war and conflict themes.
Humanity struggles under the weight of political machinations in this 2025 Berlinale multiple award winner.
On 7 October 2023, 49-year-old schoolteacher Liat and her husband, Aviv, are abducted from their kibbutz in southern Israel by Hamas operatives. As the situation in the Gaza Strip rapidly deteriorates, Liat’s US-born father, Yehuda, ventures to the United States to advocate for their safe return. But Yehuda’s progressive politics and opposition to Benjamin Netanyahu’s government quickly put him at odds with US politicians – and even members of his own family – as he fights for his daughter’s freedom.
Co-produced by Darren Aronofsky, Brandon Kramer’s film delivers an unflinching exploration of the human stories behind the region’s fault lines. Awarded the Best Documentary and Forum Ecumenical Jury prizes at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival, Holding Liat offers a rare glimpse into both the personal and the political realities of a family campaigning for peace at a time when it’s in short supply.
“Emotionally rich, politically thought-provoking … a plea for a peace that continues to be agonisingly elusive.” – Screen International